2 Samuel 16

As David continues his retreat, Ziba (Mephibosheth's servant) brings provisions while claiming his master has remained in Jerusalem hoping to reclaim Saul's throne—a slander David uncritically accepts. Later, Shimei, a relative of Saul, curses and throws stones at David, who interprets this abuse as potentially from God and restrains his men from retribution. Meanwhile in Jerusalem, Absalom enters the city and publicly sleeps with his father's concubines on the palace roof—fulfilling Nathan's prophecy and symbolically claiming the throne. Ahithophel advises this action along with an immediate pursuit of David with a small force, but Hushai (David's friend posing as Absalom's advisor) successfully counters this counsel, buying David crucial time. This chapter contrasts David's humble acceptance of possible divine discipline with Absalom's arrogant self-assertion—foreshadowing Jesus's later submission to the Father's will despite unjust suffering.